First Anniversary

taraHK
taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi All. I'm an occasional poster on this site, and I have found the site very informative and supportive.

Today is the anniversary of my surgery! I'm celebrating.

My brief story: diagnosed with rectal tumour Christmas 2002 (age 43, healthy and fit, no family history). I had 5-6 weeks of chemoradiation, a rest period, surgery which ended up with permanent colostomy (my tumour was very low), and after recovery 4 cycles of chemo. I coped well with all (if I may say so myself!). I am feeling great these days. And all tests are clear, including a CT scan right before Xmas. I struggle a bit sometimes with the "Sword of Damocles" syndrome (living with fear of recurrence) - I am Stage 3. But, today I am feeling happy to be alive, cancer free, and a survivor! And thanks to everyone on this board for the advice and support you have provided
Tara

Comments

  • Lisa Rose
    Lisa Rose Member Posts: 598 Member
    #2
    Hi taraHK,

    Congratulations On Your 1st Anniversary!!!

    Go out and celebrate, you deserve it! As for the fear of recurrence that is something we all have to learn to live with. As for myself I try very hard everyday to keep my diagnosis on the back burner where it belongs. I had to learn to control it and not let it control me.

    We are always going to be semi-colons and there's no turning back. But we will always be here together to cross whatever bridge, that may come our way. Think Positive Thought's Only!

    TODAY YOU ARE CANCER FREE GIRL!!! SO GO ENJOY YOURSELF...

    Happy Easter,
    Lisa
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #3
    Lisa Rose said:

    Hi taraHK,

    Congratulations On Your 1st Anniversary!!!

    Go out and celebrate, you deserve it! As for the fear of recurrence that is something we all have to learn to live with. As for myself I try very hard everyday to keep my diagnosis on the back burner where it belongs. I had to learn to control it and not let it control me.

    We are always going to be semi-colons and there's no turning back. But we will always be here together to cross whatever bridge, that may come our way. Think Positive Thought's Only!

    TODAY YOU ARE CANCER FREE GIRL!!! SO GO ENJOY YOURSELF...

    Happy Easter,
    Lisa

    Hiya Tara from "upside down land"--Orstralia!
    Don't think we have spoken b4 Tara but congrats on your anniversary!
    Slay them demons Tara---you're doin fine so far and thats great news!
    luv n huggs--kanga n Jen
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #4
    Congratulations, Tara!

    What a great feeling! I am also Stage 3 and 3/4 through with chemo. It's reassuring to hear from survivors who are doing so well. Thanks for sharing your anniversary with us. Keep your positive attitude and don't let negative thoughts of recurrence enter into your mind!

    Sending you a big hug!

    Kay
  • littlejulie
    littlejulie Member Posts: 311
    #5
    CONGRATS!!!! SO HAPPY TO HEAR TO THAT!!! SENDING YOU ALL MY BEST!!!
  • grandma047
    grandma047 Member Posts: 381
    #6
    you don't know what an inspiration you are to me. You said just what I needed to hear. I had six weeks or chemoradiation and will have surgery in 4-6 weeks with a permanent colostomy. It's so good to hear that someone is doing great with the permanent colostomy. I am sooooo scared of that. Thanks for making me feel better. May God bless you.
    Love and prayers, Judy H(grandma047)
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #7
    Lisa Rose said:

    Hi taraHK,

    Congratulations On Your 1st Anniversary!!!

    Go out and celebrate, you deserve it! As for the fear of recurrence that is something we all have to learn to live with. As for myself I try very hard everyday to keep my diagnosis on the back burner where it belongs. I had to learn to control it and not let it control me.

    We are always going to be semi-colons and there's no turning back. But we will always be here together to cross whatever bridge, that may come our way. Think Positive Thought's Only!

    TODAY YOU ARE CANCER FREE GIRL!!! SO GO ENJOY YOURSELF...

    Happy Easter,
    Lisa

    Congratulations on your first anniversary. I know the feeling. I have been cancer free for 15 months now and feel great. State 3 and sometimes full of anxities, but for the most part I am living each day to it fullest. Bless you.

    Kerry
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #8
    Lisa Rose said:

    Hi taraHK,

    Congratulations On Your 1st Anniversary!!!

    Go out and celebrate, you deserve it! As for the fear of recurrence that is something we all have to learn to live with. As for myself I try very hard everyday to keep my diagnosis on the back burner where it belongs. I had to learn to control it and not let it control me.

    We are always going to be semi-colons and there's no turning back. But we will always be here together to cross whatever bridge, that may come our way. Think Positive Thought's Only!

    TODAY YOU ARE CANCER FREE GIRL!!! SO GO ENJOY YOURSELF...

    Happy Easter,
    Lisa

    Congratulations on your first anniversary. I know the feeling. I have been cancer free for 15 months now and feel great. State 3 and sometimes full of anxities, but for the most part I am living each day to it fullest. Bless you.

    Kerry
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #9
    Hi Tara,
    Thank you for posting the good news. I'm stage III with a hemicolectomy, and just starting my third round of chemo. It is always reassuring to hear from folks who are on the other side of treatment; I can imagine that the fear of recurrance is always with us, but it's great to hear that you can close that door and get on with enjoying life. Best to you, the other Judy
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #10
    CONGRATS, TARA!!!

    - SB
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #11
    thank you all for your wonderfully warm replies and expressions of support. I'm so honoured to be able to share my celebrations with folks like you! And wishing everyone many many joyous celebrations - hey - we gotta use every excuse we can get!
    Tara
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #12
    grandma047 said:

    you don't know what an inspiration you are to me. You said just what I needed to hear. I had six weeks or chemoradiation and will have surgery in 4-6 weeks with a permanent colostomy. It's so good to hear that someone is doing great with the permanent colostomy. I am sooooo scared of that. Thanks for making me feel better. May God bless you.
    Love and prayers, Judy H(grandma047)

    Hi JudyH - Thanks for your kind words. I'm so glad to hear that you have finished your presurgery chemoradiation - congratulations!!! I hope you are able to enjoy this "rest period" before your surgery as much as possible. I wanted to let you know, if you have not found it already, about the fantastic discussion group at uoa.org (for ostomates). Like this site, it is very supportive and also rich with information. Please email me directly if you wish. I can honestly say that my life with a colostomy is just fine - (I just returned from a 3 hr hike and swim at the beach with my family!). But, of course, it is an adjustment. Please feel free to contact me any time. And best wishes to you.
    Tara

Discussion Boards